Suction port assembly and a vacuum cleaner having the same

ABSTRACT

A suction port assembly for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner having such a suction port comprises upper and lower housings, a plurality of suction ports formed in the lower housing, and a plurality of suction paths formed in the upper and lower housings to guide the air drawn in through the suction ports. With this arrangement, the efficiency of cleaning the lateral sides of the suction port assembly can be enhanced, and thus a wide area can be efficiently cleaned.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 2004-50990, filed Jul. 1, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vacuum cleaner and more particularly, to a suction port assembly of a vacuum cleaner for drawing in dirt on a surface being cleaned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vacuum cleaners draw in dirt on a surface being cleaned using a suction force generated by a vacuum source mounted in a main body thereof. As is known, vacuum cleaners comprise a cleaner body having therein a motor that generates a vacuum force, a suction port assembly facing a surface being cleaned to draw in dirt on the surface, and an extension path for guiding the dirt drawn in into the suction port to the cleaner body. The extension path often comprises an extension tube connector movably connected to the suction port assembly, an extension tube connected to the extension tube connector, and a suction hose between the cleaner body and the extension tube.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views schematically showing bottom and top sides, respectively, of a suction port assembly. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the suction port assembly comprises an upper housing 10 and a lower housing 11. A suction port 14, for drawing in dirt from a surface being cleaned, is formed in the lower housing 11. The lower housing 11 also has a dust moving channel 12 formed at opposite sides thereof, through which dusts positioned adjacent to the opposite sides S are drawn into a vacuum source through the suction port 14.

The suction port assembly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided with a single suction path for transmitting the vacuum force by which dust can be drawn in. As a result the vacuum is most intense at the center C of the suction port 14 but decreases away from the center C. Therefore, cleaning efficiency is good at the center C of the suction port 14 but degrades towards the sides S of the suction port assembly. Accordingly, the suction port assembly is not efficient in cleaning large surface areas. In addition, since the top of the suction port assembly is usually made from an opaque material, it is impossible to determine if dirt is caught in the suction port assembly. It is therefore necessary to check the entire suction path of a vacuum cleaner in order to find the position at which the suction path is obstructed. A suction port assembly that provides a more uniform vacuum and which allows for a see-through inspection of suction paths would be an improvement over the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved suction port assembly allowing efficient cleaning of a surface of large area and a vacuum cleaner having the same.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved suction port assembly allowing visual check of a path from the outside of the suction port assembly and a vacuum cleaner having the same.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned aspect, there is provided a suction port assembly comprising upper and lower housings; a plurality of suction ports formed in the lower housing; and a plurality of paths formed in the upper and lower housings to guide air drawn in into the suction ports. With this arrangement, even wide areas can be cleaned more effectively.

The upper housing defines first and second suction paths and a suction path cover defining a top of the first and second suction paths. The upper housing is connected to the lower housing with a top cover. A first joint part is formed along the edge of the path cover and a second joint part formed on the lower housing. The upper and lower housings are tightly engaged with each other to minimize suction force losses caused by air leaks between the housings.

A fluid guide rib is formed on the first and second paths so as to guide the drawn-in air toward a vacuum source while preventing the swirling phenomena of the drawn-in air, whereby the loss of suction force can be further prevented.

In one embodiment the top cover is formed with a cutout section in a shape corresponding to that of the suction path cover, and the suction path cover is exposed to the outside through the cutout section. The suction path cover is preferably made of a transparent plastic material, so that the first and second suction paths can be inspected for obstructions from the outside. Consequently, it is not needed to check the entire suction path of a vacuum cleaner when dirt might be caught in the suction port assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views schematically showing the top and bottom sides of a conventional suction port assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a suction port assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the bottom side of a lower housing according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a path cover taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the bottom side of a path according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partially broken-away and perspective view schematically showing a swirling phenomena of an air stream drawn into the suction port assembly, from which a flow guide rib is omitted;

FIG. 10 is a partially broken-away and perspective view schematically showing air streams drawn into the suction port assembly provided with a flow guide rib according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the connected relationship between a path cover, a top cover, and a lower housing according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODMIMENTS

Hereinbelow, certain embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body 100 mounting therein a vacuum source, a suction port assembly 200 for drawing in dirt from a surface being cleaned using a vacuum force generated by the vacuum source, and an extension path 110 connected to the suction port assembly 200 and to the cleaner body 100. Dirt is drawn in through the suction port assembly 200 to the cleaner body 100 through the extension path 110.

The extension path 110 comprises an extension tube connector 116, one end of which has a rotatable articulation joint or knuckle 118 that rotatably connects to the suction port assembly 200. A first end of an extension tube 114 is connected to the second or opposite end of the extension tube connector 116. One end of suction hose 112 is connected to the extension tube 114, the other end of which is connected to the cleaner body 100. With this arrangement, air-entraining dirt is drawn in through the suction port assembly 200 and moves to the cleaner body 100 via the extension tube connector 116, the extension tube 114, and the suction hose 112.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the suction port assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the suction port assembly 200 comprises a molded upper housing 210 defining an upper part of the suction port assembly 200. A molded lower housing 222 defines the lower part of the suction port assembly 200.

The upper housing 210 has a suction path cover 250, which when assembled, is seated on a first joint part 234 formed into the lower housing 222. The upper housing also has a top cover 212 positioned over the suction path cover 250 and is connected to the lower housing 222.

The suction path cover 250 has a generally arch-shaped cross-section, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the flowing direction of the drawn-in air, and is made of a transparent plastic material so that the flow of drawn-in dirt can be viewed from the outside to check whether the dirt is caught. Polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer) resin may be used.

The top cover 212 is connected to the lower housing 222 by means of a plurality of coupling holes 238 and a plurality of fasteners 236. The fasteners 236 can be embodied as threaded screws or threaded bolts, both of which are know to those of ordinary skill in the art. The suction path cover 250 extends through the top cover 212 and through a cutout section 214 formed in the top cover 212. In addition, the rear end of the lower housing 222 and the rear end of the top cover 212 are provided with lower and upper extension tube connector mounts 224 and 264 in such a manner that the rotatable articulation joint 118 of the extension tube connector 116 can be rotatably seated.

The lower housing 222 is formed with first and second suction ports 226 and 228 laterally spaced from each other. Each of the first and second suction ports 226 and 228 are located between the central part C and the opposite sides S of the lower housing 222. The first and second suction ports 226 and 228 are preferably located substantially mid-way between the central part C and the opposite sides S. With such an arrangement of the suction ports 226 and 228, the suction force generated from the vacuum source can be more evenly applied over the width of the suction post assembly 200, so that wide surfaces can be more effectively cleaned.

The lower housing 222 includes first and second suction paths 230 and 232 fluidly communicating with the first and second suction ports 226 and 228, respectively. The first and second suction paths 230 and 232 are air conduits and spaces, formed in such a manner that the lower housing 222 defines the bottom surface 231 of the suction paths and the path cover 250 defines the top of the suction paths 230 and 232 when the path cover 250 is connected to the first joint part 234 formed in the lower housing 222. The flange 258 formed along the edge of the path cover 250 is described in detail hereinbelow.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the bottom side of the lower housing 222. The bottom side of the lower housing 222 comprises a lateral dust moving channels 240 formed at the two opposite sides S of the lower housing 222 and connected to the aforementioned suction ports 226 and 228 so as to allow dusts located adjacent to the opposite sides S of the suction port assembly 200 to be drawn in and moved to the suction ports 226 and 228. A front dust moving channel 244 is also formed in the lower housing 222 to allow dusts in front of the suction port assembly 200 to be drawn in and moved to the suction ports 226 and 228 through one or more central dust moving channels 242 formed between the first suction port 226 and the second suction port 228.

The central dust moving channels 242 are recessed from the bottom surface of the lower housing 222 and located between the first and second suction ports 226 and 228. As shown, the central dust moving channels 242 are separated from each other by a separation rib 246. The separate central dust moving channels 242 on the left and right sides of the rib 246 are connected to the first suction port 226 and the second suction port 228, respectively. With this arrangement, the dust drawn in from the central part C of the suction port assembly 200 is drawn into the suction ports 226 and 228 through the central dust moving channels 242.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the bottom side of the top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, the top cover 212 has a cutout section 214 formed therethrough, through which the fluid cover 250 extends so that it is externally exposed. A compression rib 216 is formed around the cutout section 214 in such a manner that the compression rib 216 projects downwardly. The compression rib 216 is formed in a shape similar to that of the cutout section 214 and seated on the guide rib 254 (see FIG. 6) formed on the top surface of the path cover 250.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the path cover taken along the line VI-VI of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 6, the cross-section of the path cover 250 is taken in the direction perpendicular to the drawn-in air flowing direction, in which the guide rib 254 is formed to upwardly project along the edge of the path cover 250. The guide rib 254 is formed in a shape corresponding to the compression rib 216 (see FIG. 5) and the compression rib 216 is seated on the guide rib 254 when coupling the top cover 212 and the lower housing 222. A second joint part 262 is formed at the end of the bottom surface of the path cover 250. In this embodiment, the second joint part 262 is formed in a stepped shape and engaged with the first joint part 234 in an airtight manner. The first joint part 234 will be described hereinbelow.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part taken along the line VII-VII of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 7, the first joint part 234 is formed in a stepped shape in the lower housing 222, and the second joint part 262 is also formed in a stepped shape along the edge of the bottom surface of the path cover 250 to correspond to that of the first joint part 234. As the first joint part 234 and the second joint part 262 are engaged with each other, the path cover 250 (see FIG. 3) and the lower housing 222 can be connected with each other while keeping the airtight state between them. Accordingly, the airtight state of the path can be maintained and thus the loss of suction force can be prevented beforehand.

On the top surface of the path cover 250, the guide rib 254 is formed along the edge of thereof and upwardly projects, and the compression rib 216 is formed on the bottom surface of the top cover 212 in a shape corresponding to that of the guide rib 254. With this arrangement, the compression rib 216 formed on the bottom surface of the top cover 212 compresses the flange 258 formed on the path cover 250 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the first joint part 234 and the second joint part 262 are compressed against each other by the compression rib 216 and thus more securely engaged with each other. With this engagement, airtightness can be more securely maintained. Meanwhile, the compression rib 216 is seated on the guide rib 254 while compressing the flange 258. Therefore, the top cover 213 can be prevented from moving on the path cover 250.

FIG. 8 is a perspective showing the bottom side of the path cover 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a flow guide rib 270 is formed at the central part of the front end of the inner wall of the path cover 250. The guide rib 270 comprises a first flow guide rib part 274 extending from the central front end of the path cover 250 toward the first suction port 226 (see FIG. 3) and a second flow guide rib part 278 extending toward the second suction port 228 (see FIG. 3). The front sides of the flow guide rib parts 274 and 278 are provided with guide surfaces 280 with a predetermined curvature by which air drawn in along the guide surfaces 280 changes its direction so that the drawn-in air is rotated or conducted to the vacuum source. The guide surfaces 280 have an optimum curvature, by which the swirling flow generated at the junction of the first and second paths 230 and 232 is reduced as much as possible. The optimum curvature of the guide surfaces will depend on the air flow rate and other parameters and is best obtained through by experimentation. By experimentally optimizing the flow guide rib parts 274 and 278 suction force loss caused by air flow direction change can be minimized. In the embodiment shown, the flow guide rib 270 is formed on the path cover 250. Since the flow guide rib 270 serves as means for changing the flow direction of drawn-in air, the flow guide rib 270 may be alternatively provided in the lower housing 222 (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, both the lower housing 222 and the path cover 250 may be provided a flow guide rib 270.

FIG. 9 is a partially broken-away and perspective view schematically showing the swirling phenomena of the air drawn in into the suction port assembly, from which a flow guide rib 270 is omitted. FIG. 10 is a partially broken-away and perspective view of the suction port assembly schematically showing the drawn-in air streams within the suction port assembly provided with a flow guide rib 270.

Referring to FIG. 9, the air drawn in into the first suction port 226 and the second suction port 228 moves along the first path 230 and the second path 232. The air streams moving along the first path 230 and the second path 232 come into collision with each other at the junction of the first path 230 and the second path 232 because the flow directions thereof are not smoothly changed. Due to such collision, a swirling turbulent flow is generated at the junction. The swirling turbulent flow not only reduces the flow rate of the drawn-in air but also results in loss of suction force.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the suction port assembly 200 provided with a flow guide rib 270, the air streams drawn in through the first suction port 226 and the second suction port 228 move along the first path 230 and the second path 232, and their flow directions are smoothly changed at the junction of the first path 230 and the second path 232 by the flow guide rib 270, respectively. Consequently, the swirling flow generated at the junction can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing suction loss.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the first and second joint parts according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the first and second joint parts 234 and 262 consist of a rib and a groove in order to further enhance the airtightness of the path. Beyond the above-mentioned embodiments, it is also possible to additionally provide a means for maintaining airtightness, such as rubber.

Hereinbelow, description is made as to a method of assembling a suction port assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 3.

First, the rotatable articulation joint 118 of the extension tube connector 116 is connected to the lower side extension tube connector mount 224 formed at the rear end of the lower housing 222, and then the path cover 250 is seated on the lower housing 222. The seating is performed by coupling the first joint part 234 formed in the lower housing 222 and the second joint part 262 (see FIG. 7) formed on the path cover 250.

Next, the top cover 212 is put over the lower housing 222 and the path cover 250. At this time, the articulation 118 of the extension tube connector 116 is connected to the upper side extension tube connector mount 264 formed on the top cover 212, so that the extension tube connector 116 is pivotally connected to the upper housing 210.

Then, the a plurality of coupling elements such as screws are fitted into the a plurality of coupling holes 238 formed in the top cover 212 and the lower housing 222. At this time, the compression rib 216 (see FIG. 5) formed on the bottom surface of the cutout section 214 of the top cover is engaged with the guide rib 254 (see FIG. 6) formed at the end of the flange 258 simultaneously compressing the flange 258 formed in the path cover 250. Therefore, the path cover 250 is safely connected while maintaining the airtightness.

In such an embodiment, the path cover 250 is installed in the suction port assembly 200 and positioned between the top cover 212 and the lower housing 222. However, it is also possible to form the path cover 250 integral to the top cover 212.

Because two suction paths are formed in the suction port assembly 200, the efficiency for cleaning the lateral sides of a suction port assembly 200 can be enhanced. Wide surfaces can therefore be efficiently cleaned.

In addition, by forming a path cover 200 with a transparent material, dirt drawn into and flowed through the suction port assembly 200 can be visually checked from the outside of the suction port assembly. Therefore, it is not needed to check the entire suction path of a vacuum cleaner to solve a problem caused by dirt caught in the suction port assembly.

According to the present invention, a flow guide rib 270 formed in a suction path can reduce the swirling phenomena of drawn-in air, thereby reducing the loss of suction force.

As a first joint part 234 formed on the path cover and a second joint part 262 formed on the lower housing are engaged with each other, the path cover is seated on the lower housing and a top cover compresses the first and second joint parts. As a result, assemblability can be enhanced and airtightness can be securely maintained. Due to such airtightness, the loss of suction force can be prevented.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described with reference to the representative embodiments thereof in order to exemplify the principle of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. It will be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, it shall be considered that such modifications, changes and equivalents thereof are all included within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A suction port assembly comprising: upper and lower housings coupled to each other, said lower housing having a central part between first and second sides; a plurality of suction ports formed in the lower housing; and a plurality of suction paths formed in at least one of the upper and lower housings to guide air drawn in from the plurality of suction ports.
 2. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction ports include a first suction port and a second suction port, formed in the lower housing and spaced from each other, and wherein the plurality of paths includes a first suction path and a second suction path, which communicate with the first suction port and the second suction port, respectively.
 3. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first suction port is formed between the central part and one side of the lower housing, and the second suction port is formed between the central part and the other side of the lower housing.
 4. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: lateral channels, formed to be recessed from the bottom surface of the lower housing and opening through the sides of the lower housing, operatively coupled to the first and second suction ports; a central dust moving channel formed to be recessed from the bottom surface of the lower housing in such a manner that the first and second suction ports are fluidically coupled to each other; and one or more front dust moving channels formed to be recessed from the bottom surface of the lower housing and extending through the front of the lower housing in such a manner that the front end of the lower housing is fluidically coupled to the first and second suction ports.
 5. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the upper housing comprises: a suction path cover defining the top of the first and second suction paths and mounted to the lower housing; and a top cover located over the path cover and connected to the lower housing.
 6. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the suction path cover has an arch-shaped section when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the drawn-in air.
 7. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 6, further comprising: a first joint part formed along the edge of the path cover; and a second joint part formed in the lower housing to correspond to the first joint part, so that it can be engaged with the first joint part while maintaining airtightness.
 8. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second joint parts are a pair of correspondingly stepped parts.
 9. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second joints parts consist of a connection rib and a connection recess corresponding to the connection rib.
 10. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: a compression rib formed on the bottom surface of the top cover; and a guide rib formed on the top surface of the path cover in a shape substantially corresponding to the compression rib such that the compression rib can be seated on the guide rib.
 11. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the path cover is formed from a transparent material.
 12. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a flow guide rib formed on the first and second path by which the drawn-in air can be guided toward a vacuum source.
 13. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the flow guide rib comprises: a first flow guide rib part formed on the first path; and a second guide rib part formed on the second path in such a manner that the second guide rib part is connected to one end of the first flow guide rib.
 14. The suction port assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the first and second flow guide rib parts are formed with a guide surface with a predetermined curvature.
 15. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a cleaner body having a vacuum source; a vacuum extension path having first and second ends, the first end of which is connected to the cleaner body in such a manner that air can pass through the extension path to the vacuum source; and a suction port assembly connected to the second end of the vacuum extension path, the suction port assembly including upper and lower housings, a plurality of suction ports formed in the lower housing, and a plurality of suction paths formed in the upper and lower housings to guide the air drawn in from the suction ports.
 16. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of suction ports are composed of a first suction port and a second suction port formed in the lower housing and spaced from each other, the plurality of suction paths include a first path and a second path that communicate with the first suction port and the second suction port, respectively.
 17. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 16, wherein the upper housing comprises: a path cover defining the top of the first and second suction paths and connected to the lower housing; and a top cover located over the path cover and connected to the lower housing.
 18. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 17, wherein the suction port assembly further comprises: a first joint part formed along the edge of the path cover; and a second joint part formed in the lower housing to correspond to the first joint part, so that it can be engaged with the first joint part.
 19. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 18, wherein the suction port assembly further comprises: a compression rib formed on the bottom surface of the top cover; and a guide rib formed on the top surface of the path cover in a shape corresponding to that of the compression rib.
 20. The vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 18, wherein the suction port assembly further comprises: a flow guide rib formed on the first and second path so that the drawn-in air can be guided toward a vacuum source. 